Each year, Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off-Road magazine prepares a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the Ultimate Adventure competition. This year the magazine is modifying a brand-new JK series Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. But first, technical director Fred Williams heads to the Jeep assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio to watch the build process of their orange Wrangler on this episode of The Downshift.

Rick Pewe, editor-in-chief of Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off-Road magazine, describes the grueling competition known as the Ultimate Adventure. The week-long trip includes four-wheeling and camping without showers, electricity, or water. Adventurers need to bring their know-how, tools, and spare parts in case their vehicle breaks down. The trip consists of 25 four-wheel-drive vehicles and 50 people.Williams describes why the magazine chose the Wrangler Rubicon for this year’s competition and takes a closer look at the assembly plant as well as the employees who build Jeeps around the clock. Williams says the next time we’ll see the Wrangler Rubicon it will be a little bigger as the magazine prepares it for the Ultimate Adventure. Stay tuned to Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off-Road and the Motor Trend YouTube Channel for updates on the iconic off-roader and the upcoming competition.

I don't intend to go off road very often, so I bought a 2012 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited....my modern stagecoach. The Pentastar is amazing....18.5 - 19.0 in town on a new engine, hoping for 21 or better on the interstate. Nice, long 116" wheelbase gives a very smooth ride, plus plenty of interior room for the wife, the dog, and cooler. Modern amenities like nav system, hard drive, electric windows, and leather make it comfortable. I've owned 22 cars over 45 years, and this is my favorites. No quality issues plus I like Chrysler's 5 year/100K powertrain warranty.